Apple has patented a new AirPods sensor system that integrates active and reference electrodes into the housing and tips to measure brain activity and other biosignals[^1]. The system can monitor electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and electrooculography (EOG) through electrodes placed around the outer ear[^2].
The technology uses dynamic electrode selection, intelligently choosing specific electrodes based on user parameters and wearing conditions to optimize accuracy[^2]. Users could potentially activate measurements through simple gestures like tapping the AirPods tip[^2].
However, experts note significant challenges - current in-ear EEG systems require patient-specific 3D ear scans and careful cleaning procedures that may not align with Apple's consumer product approach[^3].
[^1]: LinkedIn - Apple's AirPods Revolution: New Patent for Measuring Biosignals and Reading Minds
[^2]: Medium - Apple's Next-Gen AirPods with Brainwave Monitoring
[^3]: Manifold Markets - Will Apple Airpods have EEG based BCI control features by 2026?
They don't sell because they know the value of it and want to use it themselves. Why would they empower their rivals by sharing their data?
In comparison to tech rivals, they actively don’t collect a lot of the data they could be gathering and its been argued it’s one reason Siri is so ineffably stupid in comparison to eg google.